Captain Ursine, 30x40 inches oil on stretched canvas by Kenney Mencher
FREE SHIPPING Shipping takes 3-4 Weeks This ships from Round Lake Beach, Illinois. A suburb outside of Chicago. I use UPS and sometimes US Post.
This 30 x 40” painting is on extra thick stretcher bars so you will not have to frame it.
Kenney Mencher’s Captain Ursine ($2,200) is a bold, evocative oil-on-canvas work that explores masculinity and queer identity through the lens of the bear archetype. You can view it here. With its larger-than-life presence, this painting captures the raw charisma of its subject while inviting viewers into a layered narrative about strength, pride, and self-expression.
The oil paint creates a textured, almost tactile surface, using layering and brushwork to sculpt the figure with depth and detail. The color palette is both grounded and striking, featuring muted earthy tones and cool blues that contrast beautifully with the subject’s warm skin tones. Mencher employs chiaroscuro shading to highlight the subject’s physicality and convey a sense of emotional complexity. The composition, guided by the rule of thirds, places the figure slightly off-center, emphasizing a natural balance while drawing the viewer’s focus to the expressive features and commanding posture.
Queer Identity and the Bear Archetype
Captain Ursine fits seamlessly into the broader tradition of queer art by centering a figure who represents the inclusivity and diversity within LGBTQ+ culture. The painting celebrates body positivity by focusing on a strong, fuller figure—offering a refreshing counterpoint to conventional ideals of masculinity. It validates and uplifts the interests and identities of older gay men, particularly those within the bear community, while creating space for all viewers to reflect on themes of pride and self-acceptance.
The title, Captain Ursine, adds a playful yet commanding layer to the painting’s narrative. The subject takes on an almost mythic quality, blending the contemporary and the timeless. It’s a visual love letter to the resilience, strength, and charisma of queer masculinity, celebrating how it exists outside and beyond societal norms.
Kenney Mencher’s Artistic Voice
Kenney Mencher is known for his ability to bridge classical painting techniques with contemporary queer storytelling. His work challenges traditional narratives by spotlighting the beauty, depth, and individuality within LGBTQ+ identities. Captain Ursine is a testament to his unique vision, offering an art experience that is both deeply personal and broadly resonant.
FREE SHIPPING Shipping takes 3-4 Weeks This ships from Round Lake Beach, Illinois. A suburb outside of Chicago. I use UPS and sometimes US Post.
This 30 x 40” painting is on extra thick stretcher bars so you will not have to frame it.
Kenney Mencher’s Captain Ursine ($2,200) is a bold, evocative oil-on-canvas work that explores masculinity and queer identity through the lens of the bear archetype. You can view it here. With its larger-than-life presence, this painting captures the raw charisma of its subject while inviting viewers into a layered narrative about strength, pride, and self-expression.
The oil paint creates a textured, almost tactile surface, using layering and brushwork to sculpt the figure with depth and detail. The color palette is both grounded and striking, featuring muted earthy tones and cool blues that contrast beautifully with the subject’s warm skin tones. Mencher employs chiaroscuro shading to highlight the subject’s physicality and convey a sense of emotional complexity. The composition, guided by the rule of thirds, places the figure slightly off-center, emphasizing a natural balance while drawing the viewer’s focus to the expressive features and commanding posture.
Queer Identity and the Bear Archetype
Captain Ursine fits seamlessly into the broader tradition of queer art by centering a figure who represents the inclusivity and diversity within LGBTQ+ culture. The painting celebrates body positivity by focusing on a strong, fuller figure—offering a refreshing counterpoint to conventional ideals of masculinity. It validates and uplifts the interests and identities of older gay men, particularly those within the bear community, while creating space for all viewers to reflect on themes of pride and self-acceptance.
The title, Captain Ursine, adds a playful yet commanding layer to the painting’s narrative. The subject takes on an almost mythic quality, blending the contemporary and the timeless. It’s a visual love letter to the resilience, strength, and charisma of queer masculinity, celebrating how it exists outside and beyond societal norms.
Kenney Mencher’s Artistic Voice
Kenney Mencher is known for his ability to bridge classical painting techniques with contemporary queer storytelling. His work challenges traditional narratives by spotlighting the beauty, depth, and individuality within LGBTQ+ identities. Captain Ursine is a testament to his unique vision, offering an art experience that is both deeply personal and broadly resonant.
FREE SHIPPING Shipping takes 3-4 Weeks This ships from Round Lake Beach, Illinois. A suburb outside of Chicago. I use UPS and sometimes US Post.
This 30 x 40” painting is on extra thick stretcher bars so you will not have to frame it.
Kenney Mencher’s Captain Ursine ($2,200) is a bold, evocative oil-on-canvas work that explores masculinity and queer identity through the lens of the bear archetype. You can view it here. With its larger-than-life presence, this painting captures the raw charisma of its subject while inviting viewers into a layered narrative about strength, pride, and self-expression.
The oil paint creates a textured, almost tactile surface, using layering and brushwork to sculpt the figure with depth and detail. The color palette is both grounded and striking, featuring muted earthy tones and cool blues that contrast beautifully with the subject’s warm skin tones. Mencher employs chiaroscuro shading to highlight the subject’s physicality and convey a sense of emotional complexity. The composition, guided by the rule of thirds, places the figure slightly off-center, emphasizing a natural balance while drawing the viewer’s focus to the expressive features and commanding posture.
Queer Identity and the Bear Archetype
Captain Ursine fits seamlessly into the broader tradition of queer art by centering a figure who represents the inclusivity and diversity within LGBTQ+ culture. The painting celebrates body positivity by focusing on a strong, fuller figure—offering a refreshing counterpoint to conventional ideals of masculinity. It validates and uplifts the interests and identities of older gay men, particularly those within the bear community, while creating space for all viewers to reflect on themes of pride and self-acceptance.
The title, Captain Ursine, adds a playful yet commanding layer to the painting’s narrative. The subject takes on an almost mythic quality, blending the contemporary and the timeless. It’s a visual love letter to the resilience, strength, and charisma of queer masculinity, celebrating how it exists outside and beyond societal norms.
Kenney Mencher’s Artistic Voice
Kenney Mencher is known for his ability to bridge classical painting techniques with contemporary queer storytelling. His work challenges traditional narratives by spotlighting the beauty, depth, and individuality within LGBTQ+ identities. Captain Ursine is a testament to his unique vision, offering an art experience that is both deeply personal and broadly resonant.
